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The Reds will have to cope without defensive leader Martin Skrtel this weekend…

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has slammed the FA over their ‘unjust’ decision to stand-by a three-game ban for defender Martin Skrtel, who will be sidelined for Saturday’s crucial game with Arsenal.

As the Daily Mirror reports, the Slovakian was adjudged to have intentionally left his studs on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, as the Reds chased a late equaliser in last month’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

We submitted an appeal over the initial decision, but were once again left disappointed as the case was thrown out.

As a result, Skrtel will also miss the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn Rovers and the Premier League clash with Newcastle United, meaning Dejan Lovren or Kolo Toure will likely step in.

A frustrated Rodgers said today: “I was disappointed our appeal did not succeed as I thought it was unjust in terms of him getting the ban.”

He added at the time: “I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident. The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.

“It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball but the ball went into the goalkeepers hand. Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out.”

The 30-year-old was equally disappointed with the decision. He appeared to label the FA as ‘clowns’ in the immediate aftermath of their decision, posting a picture of several of the entertainers on his Instagram account.